Chapter 74

The oxygen mask fogged up, blurring her vision.

Stella Valentine blinked hard until Joy Fairsprene's tear-streaked face came into focus.

"Stella!" Joy lunged forward to grab her hand. "You're finally awake!"

The warmth of those fingers confirmed she was still alive.

"How long was I out?"

"Three days." Joy wiped her cheeks. "The doctors said if you didn't wake up soon..."

The sharp antiseptic smell stung her nostrils.

This wasn't the same hospital.

Stella suddenly smiled. "So you know now?"

Joy's tears splashed onto her wrist. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"What good would it do?" She stared at the ceiling. "Just one more person to grieve."

"I could've been there for you!" Joy shot upright. "From today onward, I'm your real sister!"

The laugh tugged at Stella's abdominal stitches.

"Don't move!" Joy frantically restrained her. "The doctor said you're still fragile."

Her phone buzzed against the pillow.

A text from Mr. Alistair.

[Why didn't you tell me?]

Joy fumbled to hold the screen closer. "Look! Is it him?"

The call came through abruptly.

"...Mr. Alistair."

"Does it hurt?" His voice through the receiver was liquid morphine.

"Manageable."

"Don't lie." A weighted exhale. "I can always tell."

Stella closed her eyes. "I'm sorry. I won't be able to keep my promise."

"It's alright." Steel wrapped in velvet. "I'll walk this last stretch with you."

Tears breached without warning.

"I want to see you." She gripped the sheets. "Just once."

The silence stretched.

"Stella," his voice roughened, "it's not time yet."

"I understand."

"But I'll find another way to be there."

Joy suddenly tugged her sleeve, pointing at the door.

Through the glass, Adrian Roland's gaunt profile stood sentinel.

"Should I let him in?" Joy whispered.

Stella shook her head. "We ended when the divorce papers were signed."

"But he's been here three days—"

"Joy." Gentle finality. "Please call Damian Chamberlain for me."

Joy hesitated, then nodded.

Stella turned toward the window.

Sunlight streamed across the white walls.

Exactly like the white roses she'd loved in the Roland family garden.